Peoria updating its zoning code regulating data centers
The City of Peoria is updating its outdated 2002 zoning regulations for data centers to address modern industry demands. This move follows other Arizona municipalities that have recently updated or are considering updating their own data center regulations. The new regulations will likely focus on aspects such as noise, water and power needs, building size, proximity to homes, traffic, and emergency access.
The City of Peoria, Arizona, is currently in the process of updating its zoning code specifically for data centers, replacing regulations that date back to 2002. Planning Director Chris Jacques noted that the existing code predates the modern era of large-scale data center farms, reflecting a time when such facilities were primarily associated with back-office server rooms.
Peoria's initiative follows similar actions taken by other Arizona cities, including Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert, which have either updated or are contemplating updates to their data center regulations. While each municipality adopts an approach tailored to its specific circumstances, common areas of focus include regulating noise from equipment and generators, addressing water and power demands, specifying building size, establishing proximity rules to residential areas, and managing traffic and emergency access.